Is receiving crowdfunding causal to receiving requests for money?
For those who don't know, I'm a streamer on the website Twitch. I started taking it seriously back in May. I took a break in June, after using my savings to stream nearly twelve hours a day, because, as my brother pointed out, I knew I needed to get a job so I wouldn't become homeless. Since October I moved into a new place and work a day job from 7 to a 4:30 PM. And then around 6 PM or so I go live until 2 AM or so. Then I wake up at 5 or 6 AM for the day job. It's not easy. But the day job currently sustains my passion and goal to stream/write. Because let's be honest. I have maybe 10 viewers on average and less than 2,000 followers. I have a ways to go. Mostly it's lack of exposure.
Streamers can do it full-time through funding options. Popular streamers can be offered Partnership with the company. Followers can become subscribers for $4.99 (Twitch and the streamer agree on a %) and get exclusive content. Regardless of popularity, most streamers also receive tips or donations through PayPal. Some streamers choose to pay for a service that makes an announcement on stream so that they give an acknowledgement or appreciation to those who support them. For example, a percentage of every donation goes to TwitchAlerts so that alerts can be publicized on stream. Some streamers beg for money. Others ask for it once and that's it. And some say there's a donation link but don't feel obligated.
I've received donations on stream. My panel has a donation link and by it reads: Never required but always appreciated. And below the link it says that everything goes toward the my dream to stream along with a list of those who have supported me financially.
But I wonder if receiving donations also draws those who want money as well? Does crowdfunding lead to crowdbegging?
There's several ways to get ahold of me. Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, email, and of course private messages through Twitch. I've received hate mail, appreciation mail, requests for advice, pictures, business inquiries, and practically anything else you could imagine. But I also receive sad stories. Some are quite jarring. But some messages I've received more and more, especially after TwitchCon2015 are requests for money. "I know you stream and work full-time, so you must have money." "I've seen you receive X amount of dollars on stream before. Can you please give me $5 or $10?" And so forth. There's always a story attached and it's not easy without being judgmental to say this is fake this is a scammer, etc.
I've sent money to some of these people. Not a lot, but a little. Yeah, I may not have my credit card completely payed off or a loan or two. And I may shop for bargains or eat top ramen to try and be frugal, but I have sent people money. I've sent one person who desires to stream but has practically nothing $200 once. I've sent some $15, $10, and $5 here and there. And today one who I sent money to and was working with as their goal is to do branding. Sent me a message about how he was heading to the store right now after sending me a request for $40.00. He hopes his card works. And then we can talk about my branding...I wake up to this message. I've begged him to stop branding for me and everyone else. Until he's able to sustain himself.
It's made me wonder if there's a link between those who received money from sites like Twitch, Gofundme, Patreon, etc and people asking them for money. I know there's a million plus with stories about financial strife. But these emails are not just statistics. They are individuals. Lives.
But is sending them money the right thing? Does the welfare system in America work? Or is it abused? Do people just ask for handouts? Because it's easier for many to use handouts as a crutch and not help themselves. I've found that some of the money I've sent people was used to subscribe to other channels or pay for someone to cut their grass. It doesn't make me angry. It makes me sad, depressed. Because here they are given some money to actually work their ass off and make a difference in their life, and they chose to let their willpower and discipline take a backseat to immediate want. And then a week later they ask for more money. And more. When they really need it.
I have zero illusions that in order to be a streamer full-time is to be 100% reliant--no, dependent on my community, be that as a viewer, subscriber, donator, etc. So how am I different? Am I asking for handouts? These are questions I've received. What makes me different is that I'm creating content. Providing a service entertainment. Yes, it's free. But those who realize that it's full-time know that if these streamers don't make enough, then that entertainment will cease. I'm working towards a goal where donations is icing on the cake, and sponsorships, partnerships, and affiliations, merchandise, etc. will allow me to make ends meet instead of my day job. Note it's a day job, not my dream job.
There are times I don't want to make YouTube videos, work on my graphic design, social media, or even go live on Twitch. And I just want to play a game for me. There's a lot of work into streaming. It's not just playing video games as a lot naively think. But I get into my car and go to my day job. I've decided to cut this person off. I've given them advice about finding online work. They don't need a fancy PC, they don't need a lot of internet. They just need the willpower to work that job. Instead of playing minecraft and watching their favorite streamers, they need to hit the pavement and get a job. Him and his wife. I feel like me continuing to give them money is just going to hurt them in the long run.
I've asked other streamers if they receive emails asking for money. Everyone has said yes. They all handle it differently. I haven't asked people of gofundme or other sites. But it does seem that those who receive money get those who ask for it too. That's the power of the internet. Anyone can reach you. Be that good or bad. Sad or happy. We must do what we can to help others. I believe that. But some things that we do that we may think helps others. Actually hurts them.
I'm not going to tell you what you should do if faced with these questions or if you're in a similar position. That's for you to decide. I've slept on the floor of a storage room for three months. I've hardly had a social life so I could work on my business venture. I have decreased the amount of things I spend money on. And I'm still here. I'm sure if you look within yourself, you can find a way that you can be proud of to improve your situation.
I watch this video every day. Every day. I suggest you start too.
izzy806
vaporwave
pixelskylines
